Fluorescent dyes, particularly those which are non-toxic and not visible, are often added to water systems to provide water discharge and velocity data. Dye tracing studies can also provide useful information for modeling surface and groundwater systems in addition to tracing contaminants. Fluorometers allow researchers to measure ultra-low concentrations of dye. With extreme sensitivity and instrument flexibility, researchers can glean powerful data that could potentially be missed when using less sensitive methods.

Fluorometers are available for common fluorescent dyes such as Rhodamine, Fluorescein, and PTSA, as well as for exotic and custom dye blends that may have unique properties that are beneficial to a specific environment or study.